Written by Dr. Jim Grassi
Steve Wisniewski played left guard with the Oakland Raiders for thirteen seasons and was an eight-time All-Pro. As the team’s character coach/chaplain, I observed him faithfully protect quarterbacks like Jay Schroeder, Jeff Hostetler, Jeff George, and Rich Gannon. “The Wiz” was a consummate professional and a very tough load for any opposing team to handle.
Steve was widely recognized as one of the toughest players out there due to his strength, attentiveness, and perseverance. His alertness to danger and subsequent block saved many quarterbacks from jarring tackles. He stood firm in the pocket, refusing to give up any ground. Steve also surveyed the field after each play, looking for a teammate who needed a hand up or encouragement. When a teammate was bullied or got into a fight, he moved in to defend and protect them.
Beyond his extraordinary play on the field, I recall his mature and uncompromising faith. He was unashamed to be a strong man of God and loved his family and teammates with a sacrificial heart. On and off the field, Steve lived out Paul’s instructions:
“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14).
Paul’s exhortation can easily be summarized: Man up! Biblical manhood requires us to watch for the enemy, be aware of temptations, and protect our loved ones. As men of God, we must develop an agility and balance to our lives that focuses on God’s plan for our lives. We must develop the skills to stand firmly on God’s Word, especially with social and faith issues that impact our lives and families.
To “act like men” is in contrast to acting childish. We must spurn foolishness and embrace our responsibilities with maturity and courage. We are to be strong, including taking responsibility for our actions, being brave in the face of difficulty, providing for our family, and at times, doing what is daring.
The trials and tribulations in life help build our character and strength while allowing us to assist others who might have the same challenges. We must expect hardships and push through them, including the adversities thrust upon us by cultural trends and stigmas. Finally, setting aside our own comfort, ambitions, and egos, we must let our love for God and others motivate and govern everything we do.
God spoke every other creation into being, but He shaped, molded, sculpted, and fashioned man in His image (Genesis 1:26-28). God didn’t haphazardly form man; He created him in His likeness. God gave mankind the authority to rule over the rest of creation as His earthly ambassadors – to function like a mirror, reflecting the image of God into creation. Let that sink in; it’s empowering. Manning up is easier done when we remember how we were fashioned.
Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:13
Personal Application: Where do you draw your strength from when times are tough? What does strength of character look like? Ask God how you can better reflect His image to others.
- Taken in part from Act Like Men—Be Strong: How to Develop Biblical Manhood by Jim Grassi, D. Min.
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5